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Athletic Dreams

8/1/2015

EXPECTATIONS AND DREAMS ARTICLE # 3.

ENTHUSIASTIC ATHLETIC IDEA REQUIRING AN OPTIMISTIC RESPONSE.

A mindset of “Out of Pure Joy” in tandem with supporting a desire of a young child to become an active participant in Athletics can be a welcome option to many parents and a total surprise to others. Those include all the varieties of activity options in between. It’s all part of parents having children. It creates the same situation for parents as is with children who are expected or not, become interested in after school activities. Like in: 1. I don’t know what to do and how to respond. 2. I can do it. 3. I would like to explore where my limits are. Again, that sudden scenario can surely shake up assumptions about parenthood. I know for a fact that feelings of inadequacy, being challenged & sacrificing of self are also part of the joys of parenthood. Spending time and efforts for self improving, slowly gravitates to sacrificing time and energy for children. All for the sake of the child. Introducing children to athletics, sports, dance for pure self interest of the parent will not work. It is not a desirable start at the beginning of that journey. Pushing a child to assure recognition other than the child’s, will self destruct. That attitude invokes problems of magnitude for all involved.

It is, in my opinion, perfectly normal for a child not being able to settle in on one or more activities seriously. Be committed from the get go. Changing it’s mind after some serious investments in time and equipment have been made, can be disappointing and expensive. However, it’s all part of the game.

Where to start to prevent disappointments for all involved ? First of all, sit down and listen. Observe the physical, mental & emotional attributes and talents that appear to be present. Or show up infrequently by surprise. Also, check the 3skatter site, www.3skatter-pe.com That’s where you can get some solid basic information as to prepare a child in athletics. Not every child is a self starter or has an inquisitive mind. Motivate the child to explore the facilities and opportunities introduced by friends. Encourage to follow up on desire and talent. When the right moment shows, say: “Check it out girl/boy”. Talent is not an end product you can rely on for success. It’s a process. Encourage it to shop around. Suggest to talk to friends. Introduce ideas. Motivate with positive introductions. Come up with ideas. Above all, encourage some form of a Youth Fitness Program. Becoming fit and maintain it, is an essential part of growing up. Self motivated or not, enthusiastically assist with motivating. Never criticize. That other option, doing nothing, is not a viable option. Being fit improves self confidence in many other facets of growing up. The time to guide the child becomes harder during the teen age years. Generally, an adolescent does not like to be told what to do. A good strategy is to hold the line of reasoning. That sets us apart from animals. They initiate action on impulse and instinct only. On that note, expect the unexpected. The following story is not an isolated example:.

“One sunny afternoon, 10 year old Christine came home from school jubilantly & very excited. “Hi Mom“, while dancing into the kitchen. It stunned Mom Mildred and stopped her in her tracks. Christine has always behaved as a very calm & collected girl, Mom Mildred looked at Christine, purposely not acting surprised at all and replied with a generic question: “How was school today?” Christine responded: Me and my friend Josie met up with Mr. K, our Phys Ed teacher. He’s so cool. He coaches a girls soccer team. Now Mildred allowed herself to momentarily stare with surprise at her daughter. Just about when Christine was to continue, Dad Karl and little brother Jimmy come in. Everybody gathered around in the kitchen, chomping on Mom’s favorite chocolate chip cookies. Christine jumped on the opportunity to continue her soccer story. Mom, Dad, I want to join the Orange Kickers girls soccer team. Josie plays for them too. Pet dog Racko instantly opened his eyes, made a surprising sound, instinctively joining in on the fun and wagged it’s tail. Then total silence of a few seconds that seemed like minutes. Mom and Dad replied in concert: Christine, you have never been interested in athletics before. Jimmy was ready to shoot off another of one of his often sarcastic remarks towards Christine. Mildred anticipating it, jumped in his face and stopped him before things would get out of hand. Mildred looked at Karl to show leadership in the soccer matter. He did not miss a beat, stepped up to the plate. Made a pumping motion with his right arm and kicked up his left knee up in sync. Turning from Christine to Mildred he exclaimed in excitement: Honey this calls for immediate turbo response. Let’s go and meet Mr. K. He must be a knock out coach and kick in the grass, Christine says he is. Are you coming Jimmy? He instantly replied; “Are you kidding me, that would be even more…….”. Mildred rushed over to Jimmy & as so many times before, positioned herself between Christine and him and saved the moment. Christine ended up joining the Orange Kickers girls soccer team. Mom & Dad became loyal supporters & made new friends in the process.

IMPACT ELEMENTS:

* Visit our website: www.3skatter-pe.com

With solid basic information & introduction of simple exercises.

* Never doubt the potential of a child.

* The attribute of Talent is not an end of the road “thing” to be cherished.

It’s a Process to perfect ones abilities with hard work, dedication & commitment.

* Prepare and be prepared to respond to requests that initially seem unreasonable.

* Prevent the child to shut the door on a proposal. Instead ‘bounce off’ ideas to start

And/or maintain athletic activity.

* The one shut door instantly opens others. They might not be desirable options.

* Never push a child into an athletic activity out of self interest, -recognition & -

exposure.

* Expect a good dose of challenges & sacrifices to be blessings of parenthood.

* Criticizing, judging, or ridicule will, potentially, create explosive reactions.

* Responding, instead of instant reacting, allows for understanding.

Henri Charles (Hans) Schmid

Author of: “Scattered Journey by Henri Charles Schmid.

Check out the introduction @ Amazon.com/books

Available on Amazon.com

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Youth

9/22/2014

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EXPECTATIONS & DREAMS 2

As soon as a child functions on it’s own, away from the comfort of the mother’s womb, it becomes aware of it’s surroundings, Some quicker, some slower. All require motivation at a variety of times. Spontaneous or not, it commences to develop into an independent human being. In the outside world a new and exciting direction is initiated to take it to the next level of development. Activities & skills are learned. Some purely for joy. Many will lead to function independently as a unique human being.

The following basics, in my opinion, become evident: 1. Character: the mental finger print that shows that every person is an unique individual. 2. Personality: a function that can be molded and altered over time resulting in changes, depending on environment, traditions, customs and offered opportunities. 3. Equipment: physical & mental abilities, talents, long arms, short legs, broad shoulders, strong minded, shy, enthusiastic, spontaneous, red hair, freckles and so forth. Obvious in my experience is that every child wants to eagerly learn things that catches it’s attention & interest. It learns that life will be about Choices and subsequently being Accountable for those choices.

With the above traits, it listens, observes, reacts and responds to impulses, Recognizing familiar faces, being comfortable here & uncomfortable there. One of the major developments is, in my experience, the curiosity & desire to investigate new “horizons”, expanding it’s world by learning to move about & around when not resting, sleeping or taking a “nap“.

Since verbal conversations are limited to sounds & signals for some time, there is no doubt the child wants to satisfy the term “Exploration“. Instant excitement for all involved enters the “arena”. Time is on the parent’s side. The parent (s) becomes part of the adventure to raise a child. Ready and prepared or not.

The above are fascinating facts to one who’s been professionally involved in Mobility, Athletics & Fitness Training The body & mind starts to become a team of sorts. Synchronized moving arms, legs & body begin their journey of improving the skills as available tools to function in society. Observing a child try, fail, succeed and perform shakes up assumptions about a lot of things that are part of parenting.

Moving from one point to another becomes, in my opinion, the basis of Athletics. Persistence after trying, failing, succeeding are a “Keystone” of holding it’s own among peers. It’s like showing the world improvement after multiple attempts of trying and not “blowing off” future attempts. Nothing seems to stand in the way of conquering obstacles and achieving success. The “Cornerstone” will be the unconditional trust in parents, teachers, leaders and alike. The opportunity to get involved has arrived. .Since a child appears eager, willing and able to learn many important things and “stuff” in the early years of it’s life, there is no time to waste. In my experience and opinion there are 3 basic tools for the Parents, teachers, coaches and leaders: 1. Teach me what I need to know and accomplish. 2. Guide me by example. Act as a role model. 3. Show me things, places & “stuff” to conquer. Thus doing things together on a Y&M, you and me format promises best results.

A strong, life long lasting bond between both will become a potential outcome. Success will gravitate both to multiple participant activities and group activities as well. Developing a sense of belonging to a “Team” can be a most desirable outcome for all involved.

I have experienced the following “stages” when working with my own children and professionally in Tennis, Athletics & Youth Fitness:

1. I don’t know what & how to do it. 2. I know I can do it. 3. I am curious to find out what & where my limitations are.

Personally, I know from experience that introducing Athletics on solid, simple basics, will over time show positive results. For one, the child will learn and subsequently become eager to take over & initiate the necessary work ethics to arrive at the “next level” & beyond.

The 3Skatter Format of simple basic, easy to do exercises has been the result of many years of observing, learning from and working with young people at a variety of locations around the globe. Visit us at www.3skatter-pe.com.

I welcome your replies, suggestions and comments very much.

You can also email me at: 3skatter.pe@gmail.com

Hans Schmid

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Back of the Pack

9/15/2014

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BACK OF THE PACK

In a small village a few miles away from a big city in Europe, one of the most popular pastimes was to raise pigeons. Keeping postal pigeons was a very popular pass time. The local pigeon club meetings were well attended and a main source of information & apart from pigeons, a variety of other topics. Discussions and decisions about club events were an integrate part of the club meetings. One of those was to collect pigeons from members, cage them and ship them to a far away location. Then they were released and started the 2 or 3 day flight back home. Upon safe arrival of a returned pigeon, the owner quickly made the trek to the club house & had the bird officially clocked in. The ID number on small ring on one of the bird’s legs was verified and entered and after all the pigeons had returned, the arrival times were tabulated, a winner was determined.

Youth of that small town joined in the fun as junior members. Sjefke loved pigeons and wanted badly to become one of the youngest members of the pigeon club. It was known in town that Sjefke was a member of one of the poorest families in town. It did not stop Sjefke's righteous desire to be part of the pigeon fun. Determined to pull all the plugs to join the pigeon club, he accomplished all the necessary preparations. He also needed to be very creative since money was scarce. Sjefke acquired a couple of fruit crates from the local grocer. Joined them together and covered the front with some chicken wire donated by a friend’s father, who helped him build his pigeon sanctuary. Friends helped him paint the inside with a special white paint that not only coated the cage, but killing bugs and other pests upon contact. A special entrance was added so pigeons could only get in and not leave without the owner opening up that flap to a small platform. The creation was attached to an outside brick wall of the house, facing the back yard. Now the only thing left was acquiring one or two pigeons. One of the best known & respected members, Toon, offered Sjefke one of his female pigeons that showed no promise at all to become a champion flyer. Sjefke was elated and very grateful for Toon’s generous gesture. Sjefke named his prized possession Victoria. She proofed indeed not to be the most active bird in town on the daily fly outs, but that did not discourage Sjefke at all. While aloft on the twice daily exercise flights with the pigeons from other pigeon keepers in the neighborhood, Victoria just watched the others in awe from the roof top above Sjefke‘s house, while all the others birds moved up & down high in the sky, banking left & right in a harmonious, coordinated way. Victoria neither ventured too far away from home either. Appeared to be quickly tired. Always being in the back of the pack & at times she attempted to join the crowd, flying by herself most of the time became a daily routine. Sjefke could care less. To him Victoria was the best bird of them all. Then one day Victoria stayed home and did not want to fly at all. She appeared more tired than ever. Sjefke gave her much extra TLC and did not force her to get out and fly. One morning Sjefke noticed that Victoria had laid an egg. She immediately & carefully attended to the egg. Both Sjefke & Victoria hoped that the egg would hatch. Not long after, Victoria must have made a clumsy move and had somehow touched the egg carelessly. Her unfortunate act left a small part of the egg bruised. She left the egg unattended. Sjefke noticed the bruised part. He picked up some cotton balls, spread them out and placed the egg on the soft cotton bed with the bruised part down. Instantly Victoria continued to care for the egg again & covered it carefully with her warm body. A few weeks later the egg hatched and a young pigeon arrived. Victoria proudly showed off her new born. Immediately Sjefke registered the bird with the club and Toon supplied him with a small & numbered ring as part of the official registration. The newborn was now officially recognized and added to all the club‘s registered birds. Both Victoria & Sjefke hoped for the best. Sjefke, not knowing on which paw to fit the ring, picked the one on the right. Since the bird was only a few days old he could still easily fit it. After some weeks of growing rapidly, the bird showed a checkered brown and white feather coat. Toon checked on the progress of the newborn frequently. He determined it was a male pigeon that, in his opinion, showed great promise. Sjefke decided to call it Freckles. Not long after Freckles won the club’s prestigious young bird rookie award. When Sjefke was offered the choice between a small shiny trophy or a big bag of pigeon feed, Sjefke decided on the latter.

A year later Freckles had grown to be the biggest and fastest pigeon in the neighborhood. One day Sjefke decided to add him to all the other birds to be caged and transported to a town far away in the neighboring country. Needles to say that Freckles won his next trophy of fastest returned club pigeon. When Freckles went on tour, mom Victoria anxiously waited his return. Every time Freckles returned he acknowledged mom Victoria and shared his victories with her showing love & thanks to her for her tireless efforts raising him. Freckles became an instant hero and talk of the town. Freckles in the process also promoted Sjefke to one of the most successful pigeon keepers around.

Victoria had given her all and moved from the back of the pack of pigeon moms to be the mother of a champion. Freckles had inherited her champion blood lines nobody else recognized in her. It took a toll on her and one day Sjefke noticed a lifeless Victoria. He buried her behind a red rose bush in the back yard. On many occasions Freckles and other pigeons visited the spot behind the red rose. That way they paid tribute to a pigeon who was considered not to amount to anything good but through trial, error and determination became a champion, as well as successful pigeon mother.

The moral of the story:

You do not have to listen to negative opinions and perceptions that are aimed at you, that includes listening to those who bully you.

Opinions and perceptions, that’s what they are. Reality is that you are capable of doing many things you have set your heart on. Start with recognizing yourself in a positive way, Your specific talents, Your attributes. Your circumstances. Your options. Take notes. Compile them. On that basis, make a plan. Discuss them with someone you can trust and get off the couch & drawing board. Give it an honest attempt. Do not give up when challenges appear to be insurmountable. Succeed, fail & persist. Try to be the best you can. All champions have failed at one time, got up and tried again many times before they succeeded. Remember, not every body will represent a country at the Olympics. Even fewer will become professionals in athletics. All can become the best they can be. The mark of a champion is one who failed , got up and tried one more time. The 3Skatter basic exercises will supply all able youth a platform or basis to work from and form a solid encouragement to move ahead with a set plan. Does this sound like a plan? Check it out on my website; www.3skatter-pe.com

Henri Charles (Hans) Schmid

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Optimism

7/15/2014

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The Tour de France is considered the most important event in road race biking. For fourteen days some 120 riders trek through mostly cities, towns & country sides on winding roads of flat, steep hilly trajectories in France. Including winding up and down mountain roads that are otherwise occupied by all forms of transportation. Each day an "etappe" is planned for teams of the world's best professional riders in colorful outfits and equipped with state of the art bikes. Accompanied by teams of coaches, medical & technical staff. The many following automobiles pasted full with all kinds of advertising as well as spare bikes & equipment. Riders on motor bikes with camera men on the back seats, take pictures while the motor bike riders seem to maintain the loud noise from the always engaged horns & claxons, piercing the ears of everyone. Fans know by the sound of the screaming horns that they're warned to stay back for the advanced riders and the "peloton" will soon "zzzooshhh" by. Above the whole spectacle, hovering helicopters instantly transmit, minute by minute, coverage of the action all around the globe. The whole thing is one complicated action packed show.
Riders speed by in less than 3 minutes in a colorful haze of pure energy. It is hard to recognize famous individuals, unless they are part of a small advanced group of riders.
Not broadcast often, are the many hours of exciting entertaining each day before the riders drive by. Colorful floats of advertising a large variety of products & goods, make sure that they are well noticed and heard. Hand outs are filling up many of the fans’ plastic advertising covered bags.

In the mid 1950s in city of Haarlem, the Netherlands, some 2 dozen boys and girls organized their own "Tour" during the summer school holidays. It happened as a result of listening to radio broadcasts & reading newspaper articles about the Tour de France. Each day for a week, trajectories were laid out through city streets, village- & scenic country roads around the city. Riders traveled along canals, other landmarks like windmills & wooden shoes wearing dairy farmers.

Bert-Jan was the leader with two more days to go & 6.5 minutes ahead of the next ranked biker. Bert-Jan started off very well that day. He proudly wore the yellow band around his right upper arm, just like the leader in the real Tour was recognized by wearing the yellow jersey. He immensely enjoyed his comfortable, well earned lead. Riding with a smile, positioned like a professional on his mediocre used street bike.

Realizing full well that, unless he would make a serious mistake, he was secured of the overall victory the next day. Bert-Jan would then arrive at the famous Haarlem, "Grote Markt", ( Great Market) city market. In the center, a huge statue of Laurens Janszoon Koster who, the Dutch believe, invented the printing alphabet as we know it. Another famous landmark, the medieval gothic Saint Bavo church decorates as a historic back drop.

Something of a potentially disastrous event changed the course of that day. In the small town of Overveen, outside of Haarlem, Bert-Jan just about ran over a baby wood pigeon that could not completely fly independently yet. It had wandered outside of the security of it’s nest and fell on the ground under a big, ancient oak tree. With a quick maneuver Bert-Jan avoided running over the bird. He turned around and got off his bike. He dropped the bike behind the bird protecting it somewhat from being hit by others. The bird was still groggy from the fall. Bert-Jan picked it up and gently placed it on the lowest large branch of the oak tree. He even left some water, out of his glass bottle, in a small hollow of that branch. Bert-Jan then climbed back on his bike & continued his ride back to the finish line. Bert-Jan had lost valuable time to the tune of more than four minutes. That resulted in him dropping to third in the overall standings. Everybody wondered what had happened. Nobody dared to ask. Bert-Jan smiled but in a way, was hurting inside, not sure whether he had made the right decision. He kept quiet, fearing that if he would have told the truth, he would be ridiculed as dumb and be embarrassed for doing such a foolish thing putting his victory in jeopardy . The next day Bert-Jan optimistically mounted his bike and was more determined than ever to do all he could to regain his number one position. He focused more than ever on the final trajectory of the tour.

When all the minutes were counted & tabulated , Bert-Jan won that year’s tour with a mere 13 seconds difference with the runner up. All three climbed on the table that acted as podium and collected their trophies. Arriving back home, Bert-Jan informed his family what really happened.

The moral of the story is that victorious results are, on many occasions, not reached because of having been distracted or sidetracked from a pre set goal that is part of a plan. Doing things without a plan is like feeling the wind coming at you from all sides and not moving forward in the right direction as a result. It is virtually impossible to change direction when you are not moving in any direction. However, at times, presented distractions, should be regarded as an opportunity to make worthwhile changes in plans and should not be regarded as reasons of blaming self for failures, including feeling guilty. If responded to properly, the times one failed in the past, can serve as opportunities to the individual, to come back stronger and more determined to succeed in future. Being involved in sports, teaches clearly that falling & getting up again, is part of athletic life. The solid, basic exercises that are part of the 3Skatter Format, offer a platform to add customized adjustments, change direction quicker and become more successful. Visit the www.3skatter-pe.com website and get informed about being better equipped for athletics with exercises that are aimed at all able people & not only for those who's desire are to become competitive champions.

Hans Schmid

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Mobility is key

2/7/2014

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EXPECTATIONS & DREAMS #6 b

MOBILITY IS THE KEY TO SUCCESS.

Training and exercising can be enjoyed for the good of all involved. On that note, it is often overdone as well. The fun & enjoy factors are slowly turning into a kind of addiction to exercise. Too much time, money and attention is spent on exercising. That applies to adults and children as well. Children are pushed and forced into a form of too much is expected from them. A common flaw in athletics is that the Mentor ( parent, teacher, trainer, coach etc.) seem to want the success of the child more out of self interest and recognition as a mentor than foremost out of being interested in the success of the child at the expense of the child. Mentors in that case want the spotlight and attention directed at them. The child’s performance and success puts them in a good light and possible increase in recognition. The child becomes disconnected from the conversation. Mentors know it all and all the time better than the athlete. That appears to be a perception and is just that; a perception that is chiseled in the mentor’s mind.

Fortunately, this seems to be, in most instances that I have encountered over the years, an exception to the rule. How fortunate that there are numerous real professional mentors, trainers and coaches working tirelessly in the interest of the youth of the world. What a joy it is to watch volunteer mentors who sacrifice time and effort to keep youngsters active in the many forms of athletics and how popular and respected they are because of it. It becomes all about the children and athletes. Professional mentors as well as the volunteer mentors and coaches are well aware that there is not a single Pro who made the champion. Reality shows that there is a team, a joint effort, at work on behalf of the athlete. The parent (s) is (are) the anchor and very necessary support that is well recognized and appreciated by the majority of the pros, coaches and mentors. In many cases important factors like sponsors, friends & other interested entities are a welcome additional support of the athlete (s).

Here are some pointers for all involved, including the participants in the arena:

ALL athletic activities and successes are based on the ability to move efficiently. In my many years in athletics, I am convinced that the following principle when understood & applied will assist all involved. For starters: “You cannot change direction unless you are moving”. Cannot become quicker, faster, stronger & agile, unless you improve on a platform of mobility first. Keep in mind that mobility varies with the applicable form of athletics. For instance; a 100 meter runner has to get out of the blocks quicker and faster than a long distance runner. Once the rubber meets the road, it becomes a matter of a combined individual or team effort of , physical, mental, emotional factors. That chemistry and “click” is the glue that holds it all together, It synchronizes all efforts. It needs to be worked with, improved upon and prioritized. That is where the pro and mentor enters the picture and strictly works with a decided plan, format and program. I have experienced some, in my words, extreme coaching. Pros and Mentors who presented themselves as brutal tormentors. I have to admit that in some cases that approach worked. On that note, most pros and mentors expect a high degree of commitment and performance from athletes. Then again, most mentors who deal with the majority of children in athletics who do not aspire to be champions and participate for the fun of it, base their approach on a way that I prefer and used with all athletes:

Teach, guide & accompany the individual with his/her attributes, talents and abilities in mind. Patience make that glorious moment of a victory, achievement, a goal reached, a momentary victory over self, much more enjoyable for all parties involved. Often I wished that every child developed at the same speed and there would never be someone left behind that needed time & effort to catch up. Then, every child would accomplish success at the same moment. However, there is no such thing. Because there are fast starters, quick minds and incredibly enthusiastic individuals who lead the slower , less athletic children who carefully watch and observe before they get into action. On that note I have experienced the slow starters eventually catching up and overtake the quick starters somewhere along the way. All need encouragement measured and applied in different ways that are customized to the individual needs.

The art & skill for the Pro and mentor is to recognize that small window of opportunity that good advise turns into improved performance. Great advise given at the wrong time and moment will fall completely flat and in many cases has an adverse effect on the individual. For instance, to inform an athlete to get it’s act together at the wrong moment, potentially will result in a negative emotional response. My observations watching successful and accomplished Pros as well as dedicated volunteer Mentors, taught me that all of them based their approach on the Character, Personality and Equipment ( attributes ) of individuals above and beyond approaching a group on, in my words, generic approach of one fits all. What I have always used was my Format when an individual was introduced and trusted with me. As soon as I started working with each individual on a personalized, customized approach I recognized and answered according to the 3 stages of the child: 1. I don’t know what to, what I am doing and how to do. 2. I can do it. 3. I am going to explore and find where my limitations are. That’s exactly at the basis of the 3Skatter Format of introducing mobility as a basis to gravitate to athletics. Check it out on my website; www.3skatter-pe.com

Many times I have Pros and Mentors state: She has the moves of her Mom. He has the tenacity of his Dad. She has the competitive spirit of her brother. He’s like his older sister, he’s just not into competing. Attributes, attitudes and enthusiasm are often passed on to next generations, friends. I know for a fact that a child will be impressed or fascinated by a role model or an event like the Olympics, will turn into a desire to start in athletics. By the way, I consider the individual dance performances as a form of athletics accompanied by music. I would like to see that being included in future Olympics.

Henri Charles (Hans) Schmid

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Expectations and Dreams 5

12/5/2013

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EXPECTATIONS & DREAMS 5

ATHLETIC RETREAT

It is completely natural and acceptable to become discouraged when attempting to enjoy a selected form of athletics. These things often happen at the spur of a moment. Agony surfaces when that moment arrives even when it’s expected. Serious time and money have, most likely, been spent. First response should be: A "time out" for all has arrived and is advised. In concert with that, he matter, in most instances, does not have to be considered epidemic. Important for the observing parent, teacher, coach, pro ( mentors) and alike is to take a step back and get into a huddle with all involved. Above all, listen to what the child’s reason for disappointment and subsequent discouragement is. Then arrange for quality time to discuss the matter. Plan a strategy, look for a window of opportunity to turn things around. Backing off from the excitement of the child’s retreat offers an opportunity to refrain from combatively Reacting ( negative) and resort to Responding ( positive) without aggression. Discuss, plan and most of all En-courage should take the place of reprimand, criticize and Dis-courage. It’s an opportune time to remind the child about all the moments and times the child has enjoyed and performed successfully. Bring pictures and videos as support. Remind the child of all the hard work & commitment that went into it. Seize the moments when the child’s body language shows positive signs & responses and instantly zero in on them. When the conversation hits a road block, back off again, even for more than a week or longer. Bring it up again when the child is in a positive mood when watching athletics on TV. Or comes home with an athletic story about friends. The conversations must slowly, but surely, lead the individual back to action. Explain to the child: “The mark of a winner is a loser who gave it one more try”. On that note, always leave the door open for the child to start something else in Athletics. Let's face it, individual dancing is a pure form of athletics too, even if it does not involve hitting, kicking, throwing and passing a ball & instead is accompanied by music. In case that is a considered option, it stops the potential for quitting on everything. Here's the "kicker": it even has the potential that it might just create the motivation to return the child to the activity it has just retreated from. "Bingo!" Remember that we are dealing with a growing up child who, most likely, will regret as well as remember later in life, that it did not adhere to encouraging parents. The growing child is a unique individual who is eagerly trying to find where it fits in society. Finding a niche where the fun factor is at maximum is important to the child's development. Just going through the motions of activities is boring and discouraging and might just be the reason for the “Athletic Retreat”. Totally giving up on the wearing down of athletic shoes and taking them off altogether, not getting in shape or staying in shape, should not be an option. When considered, should be countered. On that note, personalized training and exercising have most impact when done on a 1 on 1 = Y&M, You & Me, individualized/customized approach. Check out the 3Skatter website:
www.3skatter-pe.com
Here are some IMPACT ELEMENTS, like in, points to consider in the conversations:
In our Format and Program, each child is individually recognized by attributes formulated in the “3Skatter-Three 3s” ( discussed on the website )
1. A) Character, B) Personality C) Equipment
2. A) Physical B) Mental C) Emotional ( Spiritual when applied in religious activities )
3. A) I don’t know what to do & how to do it. B) I know I can do it. C) I am going to explore where my limits are.

When dealing with, watching and creating a Profile of the child on the above three basics, it becomes an exciting and fascinating event for the parent & child alike.
It is formatted to motivate & empower parents and mentors. On that note, all involved. Pushing the child too hard as a form of encouraging, can lead to serious injuries and is not in the child's interest. In my experience over the years, observations & opinion it is also one of the factors for children going into Athletic Retreat. However, encouraging the child in a positive way, is just the right thing to do. It leads to Optimism. ( to be discussed in future articles )

Henri Charles Schmid.

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Athletic Dreams

Youth

Back of the Pack

Optimism

Mobility is key

Expectations and Dreams 5

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